Journal List > J Korean Rheum Assoc > v.16(1) > 1003700

Lee, Kim, Yang, and Seo: A Case of Reactive Arthritis in a Patient with Clostridium Difficile Diarrhea

Abstract

Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea. The frequent use of antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents increases the likelihood of acquiring Clostridium difficile-associated disease. Reactive arthritis is a recognized sequela of infection with a many types of enteric or urogenital pathogens. Although the main bacterial causes of reactive arthritis following enteric infection are Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter and Yersinia, Clostridium difficile should be considered as a rare cause of reactive arthritis. We report here on a case of a 63-year-old man who presented with reactive arthritis following an infection with Clostridium difficile.

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Fig. 1.
Colonoscopic finding. The surface of the colon is diffusely covered a yellowish mucoid material. Mucosal edema is observed around.
jkra-16-43f1.tif
Fig. 2.
Ultrasonography of the right knee joint. An amount of joint fluid and simultaneous synovial hypertrophy are observed in the right knee joint.
jkra-16-43f2.tif
Fig. 3.
New pain and swelling in the left knee joint have occurred.
jkra-16-43f3.tif
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